Children’s ACute UltraSound (CACTUS) Introduction Course

Bedside ultrasonography of the critically unwell child is an emerging skill. Until now there has been no national coherent programme which gives education and training in this vital tool in the care of very unwell children.

Developed with the team from the Intensive Care Society’s CUSIC course, the CACTUS (Children’s ACute UltraSound) accreditation is a comprehensive training programme with teaching, hands on experience, and mentorship, which will lead to an accepted accreditation in this skill.

Specifically aimed at the paediatric practitioner, this one day introductory course will focus on the child in respiratory failure, the child in shock, and practical ultrasound application. It acts as the (voluntary) entry point in to the CACTUS programme, with children to practice on, and state of the art equipment to trial.

This course is aimed at all practitioners who are keen to develop, or demonstrate their skill in this modality.